The Manager Enzo Maresca Describes Lead-Up Time as The 'Worst Two Days' at the Blues

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the run-up to Saturday's victory against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian made a somewhat cryptic comment in his post-match media briefing even after securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points propelled Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's winless run to consecutive fixtures.

But, when asked about Gusto's contribution and general display, Maresca unexpectedly shared his annoyance over the preceding 48-hour period within the club.

"The way the squad want to learn has been superb and this is the explanation why I praise them - because with so many issues, they are excelling after a complicated week," he said.

"Since I joined the club, the past 48 hours have been the most difficult because several people didn't support us."

Pressed on the specifics, the ex- Leicester City manager added: "Most difficult 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When asked if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the press: "I love the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Injury and Suspension Woes

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension problems, noting they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, as well as losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I truly praise the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them without Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are doing exceptionally. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we said many times that he's our top player but we play almost all season without our top player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so pleased for the players and it's something that I would want people externally to recognize because the effort from the players is fantastic."

Chelsea's success over Everton consolidated their position in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come next week.

Speculation Over Maresca's Comments

It was ambiguous what exactly caused Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the worst of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that window, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at the training ground, attended a pre-game news conference where he seemed relaxed, and engineered a win over an in-form Everton team.

It was hard to discern whether any particular press stories had irked him, if social media comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter related to the club's supporters, some of whom have not yet fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July 2024.